PLUG & WORK

Funding for your business premises in the Hannover Region

Dear founder,

Do you have an innovative start-up or are you planning to set up your own company? Then hannoverimpuls' Plug & Work competition is the right place for you! We are looking for committed founders and young companies who want to actively shape the economic and social environment in Hanover.

Who is Plug & Work particularly interesting for?

We particularly welcome applications from companies and start-up ideas that:

• breaking new ground innovatively: They creatively implement current trends such as digitalization, sustainability or social change.
• have a clear unique selling point: Your product or service clearly stands out from the market and offers real added value.
• show growth potential and scalability: you want to grow with your company - in the Hannover Region and beyond.
• Assume social responsibility: Your project supports social, environmental or cultural goals and thus contributes to positive change.
• Live team diversity and strong networks: You work in a competent, diverse team and use collaborations to further develop your business model.
• Drive forward digital or technological solutions: You use digital innovations, platforms or technologies to drive your company forward.

Participation requirements

• Your business idea is innovative or has a very special unique selling point
• Your company is based in the Hannover Region
• You are about to start up or
• You are a founder or young start-up with your company on the market for a maximum of 1 year

Participation process

PHASE 1: Application for the competition by November 6, 2025

• Download the application form and company profile, fill it out and send it to plugandwork-gruendung@hannoverimpuls.de
• Your documents will be reviewed and an initial assessment will be made by our team

PHASE 2: Preselection by the preliminary jury by November 13, 2025

• Following the review, a pre-selection will be made by the pre-jury.
• The results of the pre-selection will be communicated by November 13, 2025 at the latest.
• You will only be invited to the next phase if you successfully pass the pre-selection.

PHASE 3: Submission of further documents if suitable by November 20, 2025

• You will be asked to submit additional documents (business plan, CVs, signed de minimis declaration). These documents will enable the jury to gain a comprehensive picture of your company or business idea. Make sure that the special and innovative features of your idea are clearly recognizable.
• A team of experts will evaluate each business idea on the basis of certain criteria, resulting in an initial ranking.

PHASE 4: Selection of the winner on November 27, 2025

• The ideas are presented at the jury meeting
• There is another evaluation within the jury
• Finally, the nominees are contacted

Submission deadlines at a glance

• Pre-selection: Submission by November 6, 2025
• Suitability phase: Submission of further documents by November 20, 2025
• Final decision: Communication from November 27, 2025

Don't miss this unique opportunity! Apply now for the Plug & Work competition and lay the foundation for your entrepreneurial success in Hanover. We look forward to meeting and supporting you and your innovative company!

If you have any questions, please contact plugandwork-gruendung@hannoverimpuls.de